Condor Gulch & High Peaks Loop
5.9 mi
Distance
2 hrs 44 min
Time
terrain
1,282 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a moderate loop trail to High Peaks in Pinnacles National Park.
This trail goes by Discovery Wall, Monolith, Second Sister, Love Handle, Fourth Sister, Third Sister, First Sister, Condor Gulch Overloook, Bear Gulch Visitor Center, and Bear Creek Picnic Area.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Aril 30 '22. Arrived at the park by 6:45 am and found parking at the trailhead for Bear gulch - only one other car - air temp. was 34F! Hiked up to the reservoir and then up to the High Peaks Trail (counterclockwise), encountering only one other person before I reached the narrowest section. The overlooks across the rocks and into the valleys are great! Saw several condor along the way (total 12 sightings, about 6 individual birds, based on the shoulder tag colors). Passed the narrowest section meeting 3 more people, then continued down through Condor Gulch Trail. The maximum temperature I saw was 64F at the top, and coming downhill in the most exposed parts of the trail. Perfect for hiking! I'll be looking for the next chilly day to come back .... maybe in the fall.
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Had to get there early to find parking. This was mid November and temps were at a high of 80. This area is hot and you will definitely need a lot of water. My preference would be to go counter clockwise so you’ll end up with the shade at the last portion of the loop. Some nice views at the peak. No sight of tarantulas or condors on this trip.
The scenery is ok. It wouldn’t be fair to compare it to the more popular national parks. But its quiet and peaceful. Best to go during the winter months or early spring. I would not attempt it during the summer months, unless that’s your thing. The sun is my kryptonite.
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Public Tracks
Pinnacles Bear Gulch, Rim, High Peaks Trails
Connected some trails I haven't taken yet. Started at Bear Gulch, worked through the caves then up across the Rim and High Peaks trails to come down Condor Gulch Trail. No condors today!
High Peaks-Condor Gulch Loop 6/17/16 10:23:30 AM
Added Moses Spring-Rim Trail Loop
Pinnacles national park. Beautiful views of rock gardens, lucked out on temperature. Caves were closed but looked great
Track (7/5/18, 10:06:43AM)
Hiking at pinnacles to hot ....also out of shape big time only 3miles and a 3.6
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